Sweet Temptation. Lauren Hawkeye

Park produces all kinds of ventures—concerts, festivals, films, award shows.” He paused, as though waiting for applause, so Meg hummed again encouragingly. “I was intrigued by the food at the gallery show. Those things are usually cheap wine and grocery-store cheese. Your offerings added a bit of flair.”

      A bolt of excitement made Meg’s blood sizzle. Concerts? Festivals? She was so on board.

      “People who simply do what is expected of them rarely get ahead,” she commented mildly, trying to keep the elation out of her voice.

      “Interesting.” His voice was thoughtful. “We have several events coming up that I think you’d be a good match for.”

      “Really?” Her voice squeaked, and she coughed to cover it. “I mean, that sounds very interesting.”

      “We’re hosting a banquet for the mayor’s office this Friday,” he continued, and she sucked in a deep breath. “Our caterer dropped out at the last minute, and I’d like to hire you. Why don’t I arrange a brief for you? You can read it and see the scale of one of these events. Is that something you might be interested in?”

      Meg’s hands clenched on the wheel as she did a little butt wiggle in her seat. She confirmed the address of her rental kitchen, and he said he’d have a briefing document couriered over the next day.

      As Gavin ended the call, Meg finally let out an excited screech. A car beside her honked; she looked over to find a woman watching her with a startled expression—both of their windows were down, and she’d heard Meg’s scream. Mouthing an apology, Meg sped up, eager to get home and tell her sisters before she took the time to get ready for her evening with John.

      This was a huge coup for her little business. And more than that, it would provide a welcome distraction from John after he left. See? No way was she going to be one his former flings, wishing desperately for something more.

      She was going to make that something more for herself—but that didn’t mean that she couldn’t enjoy him along the way.